Perfume vs. Body Spray – How to Tell the Difference

What Are Body Sprays? 

Body sprays are a great choice when it comes to a quick, easy fragrance hit. They're light, refreshing, and versatile, giving you that instant boost of scent all over your body.

Body sprays aren't as strong as perfumes or colognes, when it comes to fragrance power. They pack a lighter punch, with a lower concentration of those sweet-smelling oils. This means that they keep things pleasantly fragrant without being overkill, so you can spray them on with a bit of freedom. Body sprays are all about keeping it fresh and giving you that laid-back mood you're after.

Some body sprays contain deodorizing ingredients that swoop in and neutralize any bad odors, so you can step out with confidence, knowing you're smelling great throughout the day. Think of body sprays as your fragrant wingman, keeping you fresh and boosting your mojo.

If you want to learn a little more about these products and their fragrances, read our full article on deodorant body sprays.  

If you’re already sold on the idea of deodorant body spray, check out our Apollo Deodorant Body Spray now.

Body spray application 

Now that we’ve given you the lowdown on body spray, let's talk about how to make the most of it. Applying body spray is easy, but there are a couple of tips to keep in mind.

Because body sprays typically contain a lower percentage of fragrance ingredients than perfume, they can be used more liberally across the body. When applying men’s body spray, we recommend making the number ‘7’ across your torso. Holding the body spray about 6-8 inches away from your skin, lightly spray from one shoulder to the other and then diagonally down across your chest to the opposite hip.

If you are using a deodorant body spray, it’s a great move to focus on areas more susceptible to sweat which can lead to funky body odor. Hit those underarms for maximum freshness that lasts all day long.

If your body spray application techniques are looking a little weak, check out our full guide on how to apply men’s body spray.

What Are Perfumes?

Perfumes are fragrances that pack a stronger punch than body sprays, with a higher fragrance oil concentration, making them bold, intense, and long-lasting for that unforgettable impact.

Unlike the more casual mood of body spray, perfumes are a smarter choice, saved for those special moments when you want to make a big impression. They bring sophistication and elegance, perfect for formal events or big nights out.

Let’s rewind to that point we made earlier – what is the difference between perfume and cologne? Well, while we often use perfume and cologne interchangeably, scents come in different strengths, like Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, and Perfume (Parfum). They all have varying amounts of fragrance oil, alcohol, and water, which means the scents range from light to super strong.

Each concentration has a different intensity and longevity, allowing you to choose the strength that matches your mood and the situation you’re in. Gender has nothing to do with it – it’s all about finding that perfect fragrance strength for you.

Perfume application   

When it comes to applying perfume, remember that less is more. Perfumes are super concentrated, so just a little bit goes a long way.

Think of areas like your wrists, neck, behind the ears, and even the chest area. A light spritz or dab on these pulse points lets the perfume do its thing, mingling with your body's heat to create a one-of-a-kind scent experience.

What Are the Differences Between Perfume vs. Body Spray?

We’ve taken a look at both body sprays and perfumes. Let’s explore the key differences between perfume vs. body spray.

The scent strength showdown

As you now know, body sprays aren't as strong as perfumes. They deliver a subtle scent, perfect for every day. But when you want to make a real statement on those special occasions, perfumes bring heat with their intense and long-lasting fragrance.

Staying power

Body sprays are great for a quick burst of freshness, but their subtle scent might start to dip after a few hours. But perfumes can keep going for several hours or even the whole day, all thanks to their higher concentration of fragrance oils.

Scents galore: a variety of choices

Body sprays bring freshness with clean and citrusy scents, or warm and exotic notes, perfect for everyday wear and switching it up. But perfumes take it to the next level... They have a whole mix of complex and intricate fragrances, blending floral, woody, gourmand, and more, making it a multi-dimensional scent journey.

When to use body spray vs. perfume

Body sprays have your back when you need a quick boost of freshness and an invigorating mood. They often double up as deodorants, to tackle those bad body odors while leaving you smelling good. Perfumes, though, are designed to make a lasting impression, perfect for those fancy events, romantic nights, or when you want to stand out.

But if you want a body spray that always hits the mark, check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray crafted by world-renowned perfumers so you can smell finer than the finest fragrances for up to 72h.

So, which will you choose?

It’s understandable if you came into this asking “what is the difference between perfume and cologne?” It’s also fine if you weren’t too sure on perfume vs. body spray. There are a whole bunch of different terms that get thrown around in the fragrance world and knowing what you should and shouldn’t be using isn’t always as straightforward as it should be.

If you’re still unsure, here's a quick summary:

• Perfume: In the world of fragrance, perfumes pack a stronger punch than body sprays and deodorants, thanks to the higher concentration of oils. And they come in different scents, depending on the concentration, ranging from 2-30% fragrance oil. 
• Cologne: While often shorthand for “men’s perfume”, technically cologne is a lighter version of perfume, with a lower fragrance oil percentage, giving off a more subtle scent that still makes an impact. When it comes to cologne vs. body spray, cologne packs an extra punch, making it perfect for those occasions when you want to keep things suave and classy. 
• Body Spray: The featherweights of the fragrance game. Body spray brings a light and breezy scent, perfect for spritzing all over without being overpowering. Plus, certain kinds of body spray come complete with deodorizing powers to keep those funky smells at bay. 

And there you have it. Just remember it’s all about finding the right scent that suits your mood. Once you have that down, you’ll be smelling fresh and feeling good all day long.

Need more reasons to add body spray to your routine? Check our article on the benefits of using body spray.